My arms are shaking, but I can hold out. I want to. I’m going to.
I shift until I’m poised above him, careful that he doesn’t slip outside the panties. Should I take him in like jumping into the deep end of a pool with one fast slam? Or ease it in?
I draw a shuddering breath.
This is about to happen.
I look down at him. His eyes are squeezed shut like he can’t take this a moment more.
Okay, just go for it, Marietta. You’re finally getting what you want.
I press a little farther in, about as far as he’s fingered me. He’s so much bigger. This is a lot more.
Then, a door slams. Footsteps thud in the kitchen.
Oh, God. Who is here?
I glance down at him. I need to slam into him. Do it anyway.
But Merrick is already out of the belt. He could have done it at any time. Before I can even think about what’s happening, he’s got me behind him, and he’s whipped around, his jeans up. He’s holding a knife by his side.
Who the hell is coming in?
CHAPTER 24
MERRICK
Whoever is in my bar, they’re taking their time.
I glance at my phone sitting on the chair I left, still playing music. I won’t be calling for backup yet.
Marietta hides behind me. Jesus, she’s in nothing but panties.
When whoever they are, and there’s more than one, don’t appear right away, I tell her, “Run for the bathroom and lock the door.”
“Merrick.”
“Go.” My voice is a feral growl.
She takes off for the door.
I button my jeans and wait. My belt is on the floor, buckled around the pole. Marietta’s boots are a few feet away.
I should move away from the light.
I leap from the stage and into the shadows of the club.
Finally, the swinging door moves. I have the advantage since I can see in the gloom, and they’ll be blinded by the bright stage and the dark room.
When the first man comes through, I prepare to charge.
But.
It’s fucking Scottie, the cook.
Then Chain.
Then Hoss.
